Portable Cabinet for First Aid Supplies

ABSTRACT

A portable cabinet for a first aid kit is configured with a matrix of compartments. Each of the compartments has an open box-like shape defined by four panels with a generally uniform depth. One panel has a projecting retainer at an intermediate position thereof. The first aid items are contained in substantially rectangular packages which each have an aperture. The packages are closely received in corresponding compartments so that the retainer in each compartment engages into the aperture to retain the package with the compartment. In one embodiment, the cabinet employs a back plate to facilitate mounting the cabinet to a wall. The inside of the cover is also configured to receive various first aid items.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to kits for first aid supplies. More particularly, this disclosure relates to kits which include numerous first aid items arranged in an organized manner for display and usage.

In first aid kits to which the present disclosure relates, large numbers of first aid items are organized and stored so that they may be easily accessed for usage. Such comprehensive kits typically contain numerous types of individually packaged first aid items, such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic, washes, mild relief packets, gloves and optionally include, for example, tweezers and scissors.

Because of the numerous items, it is important that the items be displayed so that they can be easily used in an emergency situation. In addition, because there are so many items, it is highly desirable that if any particular item is depleted, an efficient system may be employed to replace the individual item. In many applications, the large number of first aid items requires a cabinet-like housing be employed to allow the kit to be mounted to a wall or other structure for easy access.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, a cabinet for first aid supplies comprises a case defining a matrix of compartments. Each of the compartments has a substantially open box-like shape defined by four panels which have a generally uniform depth. One panel has a protruding retainer at an intermediate position thereof. A cover is hinged to the case and pivotal between an open and a closed position. A latch assembly latches the cover to the case when the cover is in a closed position. A package having an aperture is closely received in a compartment so that the retainer engages into the aperture and retains the package with the compartment.

The retainer is preferably in the form of a ramp projecting from a panel of a compartment. Each compartment preferably has a retainer and there is a package of generally rectangular form for each compartment. The latch assembly further comprises a latch having a catch which is pivotally displaceable. The catch engages an edge of an opening in the cabinet.

The cabinet also has an inwardly displaced peripheral channel. A gasket is disposed in the channel. The cabinet defines an upper exterior recess. A handle connects via living hinge and is receivable in the recess. The handle has a pair of opposed slots and the case has a pair of retainer tabs which engage the slots for retaining the handle in the recess.

A bracket is secured to the back of the case. The bracket has a plurality of openings for receiving a fastener to attach the bracket to a wall. The case has slots and the bracket has offset members which are receivable in the slots and slide relative to the slots to engage the case to the bracket. The slot is preferably in the shape of a rectangle with a medially projecting extension at opposed sides. There are at least two slots in the case and at least two offset members.

The cover mounts an inner partition defining a plurality of pockets and a recessed portion. Retainers for retaining scissors and tweezers are disposed at said recessed portion. The partition is secured to the cover by a plurality of alternating struts and securing detents.

A portable cabinet for first aid supplies comprises a case defining a matrix of compartments. A cover is hinged to the case and pivotal between an opened and a closed position. A one-piece latch component latches the cover to the case when the case is in the closed position.

Each of the compartments has a substantially open box-like shape defined by four panels having a generally uniform depth. A bottom panel has a projecting retainer structure at an intermediate position thereof. The projecting structure is preferably in the form of a ramp projecting from a panel of a compartment. Each compartment preferably has a projecting retainer structure. A package has a shape generally complementary to a corresponding compartment for each of the compartments. Each package has an aperture and the package is closely received in a corresponding compartment so that the projecting retainer structure engages into the aperture and retains the package in the corresponding compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a cabinet for a first aid kit illustrated in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 illustrated in the fully opened position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 illustrated in the fully opened position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, portions removed, of the cabinet of FIG. 1 illustrated in the opened position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame/multi-compartment component for the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of the cabinet of FIG. 1 further illustrating a handle in a carrying position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an organizing component which is mounted to the inside cover of the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views, partly in phantom, illustrating a latch mechanism for the cabinet of FIG. 1 from an interior open view thereof, respectively showing both a pre-assembled and an assembled configuration;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front view of first aid item packages loaded into the cabinet of FIG. 1 as shown in an opened position;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of the inside of the cover for the cabinet of FIG. 1 further illustrating first aid implements mounted to the cover;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a representative packaging for a first aid item, portions shown in phantom, suitable for loading into the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the packaging of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a packaging for a first aid item mounted in a compartment of the cabinet and taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a mounting bracket for the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged interior side view of a portion of the inside of the cover of the cabinet of FIGS. 1; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged frontal view of a portion of the inside of the cover of the cabinet of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, a cabinet for first aid supplies is generally designated by the numeral 10.

The cabinet 10 has a heavy-duty protective exterior and is adapted to be both portable and to be mounted to a wall. The cabinet has a rugged principal case 20, which preferably mounts to a wall, and a mateable cover 30 which exteriorly encloses the case. The case and cover are configured to provide an organization structure to receive and store various first aid items in an efficient manner for ready access and usage.

The cover 30 is secured in a closed position with the case 20 by a latch 40. The latch 40 is activatable exteriorly from the cabinet to release the latch and allow access to the inside of the case and the inside of the cover. The cabinet also includes an upper carrier handle 50 to facilitate portability of the cabinet. A mounting bracket 60 is preferably provided for engagement at the rear and lower portions of the case 20 to facilitate mounting of the cabinet to a wall.

The case 20 and the cover 30 are each comprised of cooperative molded shells 22 and 32, respectively. The shells provide the principal exterior surface and functional support structure. The case shell 22 includes a rear panel 24 and four substantially equi-dimensioned side walls 23, 25, 27 and 29 which form a shell-like enclosure with rounded corners. Each of the sides 27, 29 includes inwardly protruding integral locating struts 26 with a forward notch-like retainer boss 28.

With reference to FIG. 6, a one-piece molded organizer component 100 is configured to form a matrix of rectangular compartments 110. As will be detailed below, the compartments 110 are not identical. The compartments 110 are dimensioned to closely receive a package containing a first aid item. A representative package is generally designated by the numeral 200 (FIG. 12). The component 100 includes a frontal planar frame 120 with adjacent reinforced peripheral rims 122 and 124. The frame 120 has a peripheral surface which is generally complementary to the profile of the inside surfaces 23, 25, 27 and 29 formed by the sides of the case. At two side portions, the frame 120 has a frontal, outer generally planar face with recessed lower reinforced peripheral rims at the other two side portions. The locating struts 26 provide a complementary terminal engagement edge for supporting the frame 120 connecting the multiplicity of package compartments and retaining the rims 122 and 124 against the shell sides 123 and 125.

The organizer component 100 is further interlocked with the case 20 by means of slots 126 formed in the lower peripheral edge portion of the frame. A series of detent pairs 21 (or an integrated single detent) integrally extend from the inner side of the case and engage in the slots 126 so that the outer frame is essentially captured between the support struts 26 and the engaged detents 21.

The organizer component 100 has a peripheral recess which, together with the upper outer edge of the enclosure, forms an inner circumferential channel 130. A gasket 140 is received in the channel 130 and extends the circumferential extent of the channel inwardly adjacent the outer edge of the case 20 so that the gasket is slightly exposed at its formerly outer portion.

Intersecting partitions form a grid-like matrix of compartments 110 having an open box-like or rectangular tube form. The various compartments are designated 110A-110X. The compartments have a generally uniform depth and are adapted to closely receive corresponding packages 200 of first aid supplies, as will be detailed below. The compartments do not all have the same widths and heights, but may have different widths and heights corresponding to dimensions of the various packages of items. A stop 112 having the form of a substantially rectangular frame with lower central recess is disposed at the rear of each compartment.

With additional reference to FIG. 14, the bottom wall 114 of each receptacle or compartment 110 has a medial ramp-like tab or retainer 116 comprising an inclined surface 117 and a rear retaining edge 118. A very shallow recess 119 may be formed between the retaining edge and the stop 112. The retainer 116 is spaced forwardly from the rear of the receptacle. The ramp surface 117 ascends from the bottom panel in the direction from the front to the rear of the compartment. Upon loading a package in a compartment, each retainer 116 and specifically the retainer edge 118 interacts with a corresponding package 200 to retain the package in the compartment.

It will be appreciated that the bottom panel 210 of each package of a first aid item has an aperture 212 (FIGS. 12, 13). The aperture 212 is preferably rectangular and has the same dimension for each package. The aperture is positioned and dimensioned so that as the package is inserted into the corresponding compartment, the bottom panel 210 of the package rides up the ramp until the end of the ramp or retainer edge 118 is cleared. The retainer 116 then projects into the aperture 212 and the edge 118 engages, or is in engageable alignment with, the aperture edge to essentially retain the first aid package in the compartment. The bottom panel 210 of the package is captured between the retainer 116 and the stop 112. The substantially equal dimensions of the package and the corresponding compartment also cooperate in a close-fitting relationship to further ensure stable retention of the package in the compartment.

With reference to FIG. 7, the upper portion of the case 20 includes a central recess 52. An oblong handle 50 is connected via a living hinge 54 to a wall portion of the recess and is pivotal about the axis of the hinge. The handle 50 preferably includes a pair of opposed ends which form a pair of opposed shallow slots 56. A detent 58 projects into the recess from opposed sides thereof. Upon pivotally retracting the handle into the recess 52, each detent 58 resiliently engages in the corresponding shallow slot 56 to retain the handle in a nestled non-usage (non-carrier) position. The handle 50, however, may be easily grasped manually and disengaged from the detents and upwardly pivoted (to the FIG. 7 illustrated position) to provide a convenient carrying handle for the cabinet.

A back mounting bracket 60 (FIGS. 3, 4) is preferably employed to mount the case 20 to a wall. The back mounting bracket 60 includes a panel 62 which at a lower portion projects forwardly to form a support collar 64. The support collar 64 is complementary with the lower portion of the cabinet and engages against a lower portion of the case side 27 thereof to provide a supplemental support for the cabinet. The rear of the panel includes a shallow stabilizing rim 66 which traverses the periphery of the mounting bracket 60. Four mounting protrusions 68, which include openings for receiving the fasteners (not illustrated), also extend rearwardly from the mounting plate and project approximately the same rear distance as the stabilizing peripheral rim 66. The mounting bracket 60 is preferably initially mounted to the wall by driving fasteners through each of the openings of the protrusions 68.

With additional reference to FIG. 15, four offset tabs 70 are positioned forwardly of the rear panel 62. The tabs 70 each form opposed slide locks 72 supported on a medial connector stud 74. The slide locks 72 extend generally parallel to and offset from the rear support panel. The rear panel 24 includes four cross-like slots 78 which receive the tabs 70 and studs 74 and, upon mounting the case 20 to the mounting bracket 60, allow the enclosure to slide downwardly a distance limited by the end of the stud 74 engaging the end of the slot 78 under the force of gravity so that the locks 72 retentively engage the inner underside of the rear panel 24 of the cabinet enclosure to thereby retain the rear panel (and hence the cabinet) to the mounting bracket and the wall.

Alternatively and/or in addition, the rear panel may include one or more elongated bifurcated openings 79 which are adapted to receive the head of a fastener so that the weight of the downwardly sliding cabinet forces the head to engage the upper underside of the reduced slot to thereby retain the case to the wall.

The cover 30 is hinged to the case 20 by a pair of opposed interlocking hinge members 80 which receive hinge pins 82. Alternative hinge connections are also possible.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 9A and 9B, the cover 30 includes a central frontal recess 34 at a location opposite the hinges. The recess receives a handle release 42 which integrally connects with an inner tongue-like latch blade 44 terminating in a catch 46. Fingers 48 project from the release handle on opposite sides of the latch blade 44. The fingers 48 are received in yokes 36 which integrally project inwardly from the inside of the cover shell. A rectangular slot 38 is disposed between the yokes. The fingers are inserted into the yokes in a force fit engagement. The latch blade 44 is received in the slot 38.

A plurality of rib-like serrations 43 may be disposed at the underside of the handle release 42 to facilitate grasping and manipulation of the latch 40. The catch 46 is dimensioned to slide into a slot 128 (FIG. 6) formed in the frame 120 so that the catch engages the inside edge of the slot to latch the cover 30 to the case 20. The latch 40 is a one piece member of a resilient plastic composition. When the handle is pivoted, the fingers 48 act to resiliently resist the pivoting of the release handle, but allows sufficient pivoting to force the latch blade 44 to deflect or pivot to disengage the catch 46 from the slot edge to thereby permit the cover to be opened. It will be appreciated that in the normal latch state, the latch engages the slot edge under a small bias to prevent the cover 30 from being withdrawn and pivoted away from the case 20.

With additional reference to FIGS. 8, 16 and 17, the inside of the shell cover 32 receives and fixedly mounts a multi-faceted integral organizer panel 150. The panel has a peripheral reinforced rim 152 generally conforming to the inside profile of the cover shell 32. The cover shell 32 includes several support struts 33 which project inwardly from the shell and include a retentive boss 35 which engages against the reinforced rim to support the panel and retain the rim against the inside of the shell 32. The cover shell 32 also includes several pairs of inwardly projecting detents 37 which engage in cut out slots 154 at the panel periphery to capture and retain the organizer panel 150 with the cover in a close fit seamless-type engagement. The panel also includes an elongated opening 156 spaced inwardly from one side to accommodate the catch 46 and latch blade 44 and allow the integral latch assembly to be mounted to the cover and secured therewith.

In one preferred embodiment, the panel 150 defines four inner pockets 162, 164, 166, 168 with central cutouts 163, 165, 167, 169 which are adapted to receive various first aid items. In one embodiment (not illustrated), pocket 162 contains a plurality of trauma pads, pocket 164 contains a plurality of triangular bandages, pocket 166 contains a plurality of gauze pads, and pocket 168 contains a package of finger cots. Naturally, other contents are possible.

A recessed panel-like portion 160 is also formed to provide identification, information and/or generally describe the function and contents of the cabinet. In addition, below the indicia panel is another recessed portion 170. With additional reference to FIG. 11, the recessed portion 170 includes a lower retention 171, a pair of opposed retention fingers 172 and an upper cover-like retainer 173 which is adapted to retain a pair of tweezers 250 with the cover. A second set of retentive structures includes a nose 174, a pair of medial retention fingers 175 and a bow-like structure 176 for retaining a pair of scissors 260 to the cover.

The cover shell 32 has a shallow shell-like shape with rounded corners and an inner peripheral edge which is generally complementary with peripheral side surface of the gasket 140. When the cover 30 is closed, the edge engages the edge of the base and abuts against the gasket along its continuous length. The frontal portions of the gasket may engage against the outer portions of the reinforced edge of the panel. The latch catch 46 engages in the slot 128 so that the cover is generally tightly sealed in a smooth close fit engagement with the case.

It will be appreciated that the cabinet 10 may be configured in a very wide variety of configurations which are dimensioned to receive various first aid packages. The packages are retentively engaged in a given receptacle by the ramp-like retainer or tab 116 which engages in the underside aperture 212 of the package.

Table I as set forth below illustrates a representative inventory of first aid contents that may be employed in packages which are inserted into the various receptacles.

TABLE I COMPARTMENT FIRST AID ITEM 200 A Sting Relief 200 B Castile Soap 200 C Hand Sanitizer 200 D Pain Relief 200 E Antacid 200 F Gauze Pad 200 G Small Bandage 200 H Antiseptic Wipe 200 I Knuckle Bandage 200 J Fingertip Bandage 200 K Plastic Bandage 200 L Tape 200 M Alcohol or Prep Pad 200 N Patch Bandage 200 O Hook Skin 200 P Alcohol Prep Pad 200 Q Elastic Wrap 200 R Gauze Roll 200 S Plastic Bandage 200 T Butterfly Bandage 200 U Eye Wash 200 V Utility Gloves 200 W CPR Shield/Gloves 200 X Gauze Roll

While preferred embodiments of the foregoing invention have been set forth for purposes of description, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A cabinet for first aid supplies comprising: a case defining a matrix of compartments each having a substantially open box-like shape defined by four panels having a generally uniform depth with one panel having a retainer at an intermediate position thereof; a cover hinged to said case and pivotal between an opened and a closed position; a latch which latches said cover to said case when said cover is in the closed position; and a package having an aperture and closely received in a said compartment so that said retainer tab engages into said aperture and retains said package therewith.
 2. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said retainer is in the form of a ramp projecting from a panel of a compartment.
 3. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein each said compartment has a retainer.
 4. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein there is a package of generally rectangular form for each said compartment.
 5. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said latch is a resilient one-piece member which engages a latch edge of an opening defined in said cabinet.
 6. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said latch comprises a catch which is pivotally displaceable.
 7. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said cabinet further comprises an inwardly displaced peripheral channel and a gasket is disposed in said channel.
 8. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said cabinet defines a recess and a handle connects via a living hinge and is receivable in said recess.
 9. The cabinet of claim 8 wherein said handle has a pair of opposed slots and said case has a pair of retainer tabs which engage said slots for retaining said handle in said recess.
 10. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising a bracket secured to the back of said case and having a plurality of openings for receiving a fastener to attach said bracket to a wall.
 11. The cabinet of claim 10 wherein said case defines at least two slots and said bracket has at least two offset members which are receivable in said slots and slide against said case to engage said case to said bracket.
 12. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein each said slot is in the shape of a rectangle with a medially projecting extension extending from opposed sides of said rectangle.
 13. The cabinet of claim 10 wherein there are four slots in said case and four offset tabs.
 14. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein said cover mounts an inner partition defining a plurality of pockets and a recessed portion having a planar surface.
 15. The cabinet of the previous claim 14 further comprising retainers for retaining scissors and tweezers extending from said recessed portion.
 16. The cabinet of claim 14 wherein said partition is secured to said cover by a plurality of alternating struts and securing detents.
 17. A cabinet for first aid supplies comprising: a case defining a matrix of compartments each having a substantially open box-like shape defined by intersecting panels having a generally uniform depth with one panel having a projecting structure at an intermediate position thereof; a cover hinged to said case and pivotal between an opened and a closed position; and a latch which latches said cover to said case when said cover is in the closed position.
 18. The cabinet of claim 17 wherein said projecting structure is in the form of a ramp integrally projecting from a panel of a compartment.
 19. The cabinet of claim 19 wherein each said compartment has a projecting structure.
 20. The cabinet of claim 19 and further comprising a package having a shape generally complementary to a corresponding compartment for each said compartment, and each package has an aperture and is closely received in said corresponding compartment so that said projecting structure engages into said aperture and retains said package in said corresponding compartment. 